Candolim (Goa): Drishti lifeguards spotted a cluster of Portuguese-Man-Of-War, a jelly-like marine organism commonly known as Bluebottle or Floating Terror which washed ashore along the Candolim-Sinquerim beach stretch on 18th July 2017. The Bluebottle jelly-like marine organism spotted were less than an inch in size. Drishti Lifesaving have alerted the tourism department about the same.

Marine animals, jellyfish are of two kinds- toxic and non-toxic. And while most jellyfish stings are harmless to humans and cause only a mild irritation; species like Bluebottle are venomous and can cause harm on contact. Even a dead Bluebottle washed up on shore can deliver a sting.

Puja Mitra of Terra Conscious who conducted a workshop recently for the lifeguards, forest guards and members from the animal rescue department on Marine Mammal Strandings advises immediate first aid precautions that should be taken in case a person comes in contact with the Bluebottle:

· Wash the stung area with hot water (as hot as you can stand it) as heat further breaks down the toxins.
· Generously spray the stung area with vinegar. It is known to diffuse any poison that may be more active in the nematocysts present in the tentacles.
· Place ice packs on the stung area to reduce the pain and swelling
· In case of chest pain and breathing difficulty, visit the doctor immediately

Drishti Lifesaving, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency advises locals as well as the tourist not to venture into the sea along the Candolim and Sinquerim stretch as the Bluebottle could possibly be present in the waters or along the shoreline. Even wading into the waters is not advisable during the monsoon months as the sea and weather conditions are not favourable for swimming.
Team TNV